Explore Historic Towns in Suffolk

Visit the historic towns in Suffolk and you’ll discover thousands of years of stories etched into the landscape and architecture, from memories of the Magna Carta to the beginnings of Bloody Mary’s reign. But it’s not all ancient history: look closer and you’ll see these historic towns in Suffolk are brimming with art, music, food and modern culture.

Halesworth is a historic market town with great walking and cycling links to The Suffolk Coast. Its critically acclaimed theatre scene bubbles throughout the year, coming to a boil every September during the HighTide Festival at Halesworth’s art centre, The Cut.

Woodbridge on the River Deben is another of Suffolk’s historic market towns, and a fantastic place to unearth the past: you can watch traditional milling at its 800-year-old working tide mill, or uncover the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king at nearby Sutton Hoo. In addition to historical charm, Woodbridge boasts a bustling market, independent shops, superb eateries and hotels, and its very own seafood festival.

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One of the most famous medieval Suffolk towns is Bury St Edmunds, where you’ll find Suffolk’s only cathedral, and a hotel frequented by Charles Dickens, now a boutique inn with a trendy underground bar. You’ll also discover the story of Saint Edmund, whose shrine became the cornerstone of Bury St Edmunds’ abbey. The abbey played pivotal role in the creation of the Magna Carta, and is just one of Bury St Edmunds’ many fascinating sights, which also include a historic brewery, and Britain’s smallest pub.

Equally famous is Framlingham, a historic market town in the shadow of a striking castle. You can walk the battlements of Framlingham Castle and imagine how Mary Tudor felt as she gathered her troops and prepared to march on London to claim the throne; or you can just take it easy, and browse Framlingham’s fantastic shops.

Use the tabs on this page to find out more about the historic towns in Suffolk, and start planning your perfect trip.

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